Roger Youngstrom

Roger was born in Duluth on March 28, 1930 to Reinhold and Agnes (Saline) Youngstrom. He was a graduate of Hermantown High School and went on to serve with the Duluth Air National Guard 148th Fighter Group. Roger served in the Air Force/Air National Guard for 40 years, including active duty with the 179th Fighter Interceptor Squadron during the Korean War. In 1969 he graduated from the Air National Guard NCO Academy. Roger retired as the Deputy Commander, 148th Civil Engineer Squadron in 1984.

He was united in marriage to Gloria Jackman. To this union 2 children were born. Later Roger was united in marriage to Marjorie Ann Puhl. He retired to Big Sandy Lake near McGregor, MN with his wife Marge until her death in 1999. Roger was a long time member of the Elks Club and American Legion and was the recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; his parents; stepson, Brian Smerdon; brothers, Raymond and Roland and sister Viola “Tootsie" Slotness.

Roger is survived by children Scott (Julie) Youngstrom of Hermantown, Vicki (Malcolm) Chang of Port Orchard, WA; step-children, Robert (Tammy) Smerdon of Fredenberg, MN and Rebecca (Doug) Cleveland of Salisbury, NC; 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at Bell Brothers Jarvi-Dowd Funeral Home 925 East 4th St. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held in Sunrise Memorial Cemetery A gathering will be held in Roger’s honor at the Hermantown Elks Lodge 4250 Haines Rd. from 3-5 P.M. following the service.

Arrangements under the direction of Bell Brothers Jarvi Dowd Funeral Home, Duluth, MN.